Food imprinting device

ABSTRACT

A food imprinting system including at least one imprint block, and a mounting plate having at least one opening dimensioned for receiving at least a forward portion including a printing face of the imprint block, wherein the imprint block and the mounting plate are mounted within an imprinting assembly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/031,609 filed Jul. 10, 2018, which is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/302,206 filed on Oct. 6, 2016 whichis a national phase patent application of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/IL2015/050003 filed on Jan. 1, 2015, which claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC § 119(e) of IL Patent Application No. 232080 filedon Apr. 10, 2014.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/031,609 filed Jul. 10, 2018 alsoclaims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/530,777 filed on Jul. 10, 2017.

The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of impression devices. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to an imprinting device designed tocreate images upon a variety of food products for decoration and/ormarketing purposes, in particularly baked dough products such as flatbread or pitta.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is sometimes desired by food products manufacturers to bring an addedvalue and uniqueness to their product. This can be achieved by creatingimages (e.g., logo, letters, numbers, etc.) upon a variety of their foodproducts for decoration and/or marketing purposes.

There are numerous known methods for transferring pictorial or writtenrepresentations onto food items, using, for example, imprinting,pressing or embossing techniques. Such techniques typically involvedirect contact and application of pressure and/or heat to the surface ofthe product. However, food products frequently have size, shape and/orsurface variations, even among items produced in the same batch. Thesenatural variations present unique challenges when attempting to automateand mechanize the imprinting process. In addition, many food productstend to be relatively delicate and have easily penetrable outer layers.This may lead to uneven imprinting results, and even potential damage tothe product itself.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations relatedtherewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the operation and a study of the figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a foodimprinting system including one or more one imprint block, and amounting plate having one or more one opening dimensioned for receivingone or more a forward portion including a imprinting face of the one ormore one imprint block, wherein the imprint block and the mounting plateare mounted within an imprinting assembly. In some embodiments, theimprinting assembly is coupled to an imprinting assembly driverconfigured for moving the imprinting assembly along one or more oneaxis. In some embodiments, the imprinting assembly is installed within asupport frame including a support table, wherein the support tabledefines a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane defined bythe imprinting face, and wherein the imprinting assembly driver isconfigured for driving the imprinting assembly relative to the supporttable. In some embodiments, the imprinting assembly driver is configuredfor driving the support table relative to the imprinting assembly.

According to some embodiments, the mounting plate is made of a materialconfigured for withstanding operating temperatures of up to 600° C. Insome embodiments, the one or more one opening is dimensioned to form anair gap around the forward portion of the imprint block, wherein the airgap has a length of one or more 0.1. In some the system further includesa plurality of elongated through slots distributed substantially evenlyabout the mounting plate, wherein each slot has a length of between 50and 150 mm and a width of between 2 and 6 mm. In some embodiments, oneor more some of the slots include an elongated rod coupled at one ormore ends of the slots and oriented along the slots.

According to some embodiments, one or more some of the slots includes anelongated rod that traverses the slots and is coupled at one or moresides of the slots. In some embodiments, the rod is made of a materialhaving a coefficient of thermal expansion which is different to that ofthe mounting plate. In some embodiments, the rod is made of a materialhaving a coefficient of thermal expansion which is different to that ofthe mounting plate. In some embodiments, the mounting plate furtherincludes a lip formed along one or more a portion of a perimeter of themounting plate, the lip extends substantially perpendicular to a planedefined by the mounting plate, and wherein the lip has a height of oneor more 10 mm.

According to some embodiments, the lip further includes a flange sectionwhich is oriented at a right angle to and outwardly away from the lip,wherein the flange has a width of one or more 10 mm. In someembodiments, the flange section includes one or more mounting holes. Insome embodiments, the imprint block includes a shoulder extendingoutwardly relative to the forward portion of the imprint block, and theshoulder is dimensioned to be larger than the opening in the mountingplate for preventing passage of the shoulder therethrough. In someembodiments, the system includes a support ring disposed between themounting plate and the imprint block shoulder. In some embodiments, thesupport ring is dimensioned to form an air gap around the forwardportion of the imprint block, wherein the air gap has a width of one ormore 0.1 mm.

According to some embodiments, the support ring has a rim height ofbetween 3 and 10 mm, and a rim width of one or more 2 mm. In someembodiments, the support ring is integrally formed with the mountingplate.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a system forreplacing a hot food imprinting blocks mounting plate, without coolingdown including a rail assembly including one or more two opposed rails,and a mounting plate including a planar plate having a plurality ofopenings dimensioned for receiving a forward portion including aimprinting face of a corresponding plurality of imprint blocks, whereinthe rails are dimensioned for slidingly receiving opposed edges of themounting plate.

According to some embodiments, the rails have a U-shaped cross-sectionalprofile. In some embodiments, the rail assembly further includes a thirdrail disposed transversely relative to the two opposed rails, whereinthe third rail is dimensioned for slidingly receiving an edge of themounting plate which is transverse to the opposed edges. In someembodiments, one or more the two opposed rails are slidingly removablefrom the rail assembly when the opposed edges are received therein.

According to some embodiments, the rails include one or more holesconfigured to receive a locking pin. In some embodiments, the holesallow for expansion and contraction of said mounting plate when coupledto the rails.

In some embodiments, the mounting plate to the rails allows forexpansion and contraction of the mounting plate. In some embodiments,the mounting plate is slidable in and out of said rails when hot.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a food imprinting device,comprising at least one heat imprinting unit having a heatableimprinting thread adapted to receive a supply of heat energy from aheating source, for searing the surface of a food product that comes incontact with said heatable imprint head, by applying a necessary heat ofat least 100 degrees Celsius and/or pressure of less than 25 seconds tosaid food product.

In one aspect, the food imprinting device further comprises at least onetray for supporting the food product. The heat imprinting unit can bemounted to a stand above, under or aside the tray.

According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one heatimprinting unit includes a manipulator on which the heatable imprinthead is mounted, wherein said manipulator being movable in one or moredegrees of freedom for accurately positioning the imprint head over atarget food product. The manipulator is activated manually orautomatically.

According to some embodiment of the invention the food imprinting systemincludes a release plate. In some embodiments, the release plate isconfigured to weigh down food items to a common height. In someembodiments, the release plate is configured to prevent food items fromlifting when said mounting plate and imprinting blocks are raised.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the heatable imprint headis a plate having a relief that forms an image on the outer surface ofsaid plate.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the heatable imprint headis replaceable or non-replaceable.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the manipulator iscontrolled and activated by computerized module.

In one aspect, the at least one tray is disposed on a table (e.g.conveyor) to be carried thereon.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one trayhaving at least one cavity adapted for holding a food product therein.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the food imprinting devicefurther comprises a controller for automatically controlling processingof the foodstuffs.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tray is mounted on abase that defines a first arm and the heat imprinting unit is mounted ona frame that defines a second arm, such that both arms are joined by ahinge area which allows said arms to come together to close in order toapply the necessary heat and/or pressure to the food product. In oneaspect, the second arm may include a chassis adapted to hold the imprinthead, and a stand for holding the heating source for heating saidimprint head by supplying heat energy.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the heating source iseither attached to, or incorporated within, the heat imprinting unit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the heating source is aburner.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the manipulator iscontrolled by an electro-mechanical unit for automatically applying thenecessary heat and/or pressure to the food product.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the food imprinting devicefurther comprises a handle to allow operating the device repeatedly. Inone aspect, the handle is adapted to be operated manually. In anotheraspect, the handle is adapted to be operated electromechanically.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food product isapplied to the heatable imprint head. According to other embodiments ofthe invention, the manipulator applies the heatable imprint head to thefood product.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to thefigures and by study of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. Dimensionsof components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen forconvenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown toscale. The figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a heat pressing device for imprintingon a food product, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a bottom view of a metal template ofattached to the device of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 3 shows two rounded flat breads imprinted with the metal templateof FIG. 2 according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a device for high-volume operationsinvolving the continuous imprinting on food products, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrate a food imprinting system, accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 5D schematically illustrates an exemplary imprint block, accordingto some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6E schematically illustrate certain embodiments of a movableimprint block, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate an exemplary mounting for an imprint block,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an exemplary food imprinting station, accordingto some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an imprint blockmounting plate, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary quick exchange mounting for a mountingplate, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

FIGS. 11A-11C schematically illustrate exemplary system for regulatingthe spacing of articles on conveying belts, according to someembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are a system and method for imprinting of an image onto thesurface of food items. In some embodiments, the present system iscapable of producing substantially consistent imprinting resultsregardless of normal height, shape and/or size variations, and/orsurface unevenness in the food products.

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the presentinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingfigures. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may beused in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. Thefigures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes ofillustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromthe following description that alternative embodiments of the structuresand methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing fromthe principles of the invention described herein.

The present invention is a heat pressing device that imprints (i.e.,sears) a design or graphic on a variety of food products, such as a flatbread or pitta (i.e., a round Middle Eastern pocket bread), with theapplication of heat and pressure for a specific period of time (e.g.,less than 25 seconds). Although the device is primarily intended for usein commercial and industrial locations, usage is not limited to suchapplications. The device may also be effectively used in residentialsettings as well as a variety of additional contexts.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, in an exemplary mode of production, aheat pressing food imprinting device 10 consists of two main assembliesan upper assembly and lower assembly. The upper assembly comprises animprinting unit 1 adapted to hold a heatable plate 2 such as a metaltemplate that is used as a “printhead” or a print applicator, and aheating source 4. In this exemplary configuration the imprinting unit 1and the heating source 4 are mounted on an upper arm 5, wherein theheating source 4 is mounted to arm 5 via a supporting stand 3. In thisembodiment, the arm 5 is provided with a handle 6 that is of sufficientsize and configuration to allow a user to comfortably operate the devicemanually. According to another embodiment of the invention, theimprinting unit is adapted to be operated electromechanically (e.g., byan electro-mechanical unit) and/or by a computer system or a controller.

Importantly, the heating source 4 may be either attached to, orincorporated within, the assembly 5 depending upon manufacturerpreference. In this exemplary configuration, the lower assemblycomprises a tray 7 that is mounted to a lower arm 8.

In this exemplary embodiment, the heating source 4 is a mechanicaldevice that burns a gas or liquid fuel into a flame in a controlledmanner, such as a burner. Alternatively, the heating source 4 can beimplemented by other heating generating techniques (e.g., electricheating) capable of heating the plate 2 such that it will be able torapidly (e.g., a few seconds, preferably, less than 25 seconds) sear animage upon a food product while keeping the non-printing areassear-free, and without damaging the original characteristics of the foodproduct on its non-printing areas.

According one embodiment, imprinting unit 1 employs plate 2 to applyheat and pressure to the food product located on the tray 7 whilekeeping the non-printing areas sear-free and thereby undamaging theoriginal food product characteristics. The heating source 4 (e.g., aburner) generates an energy (e.g., flame) that heats the plate 2 eitherdirectly or indirectly via a mediating element to which plate 2 isattached, such as a metal heat rod 9. For example, in this exemplaryconfiguration, the upper assembly in the press opens like a clamshellstructure that consist of two arms (e.g., upper arm 5 and lower arm 8)joined by a hinge area which allows the structure to come together toclose.

Alternatively, in a “swing-away” design, the upper assembly swings awayfrom the tray 7 or vice-versa. Plate 2 can be made of any heatablematerial(s) that is resistive to high temperatures (e.g., above 100Celsius degrees such as metal alloys that have copper as their principalcomponent). Other arrangements can also be used to apply heat and/orpressure and/or contact to the food product, such as a millstones-likearrangement (not shown) that includes two wheels, where at least onewheel is moveable and the other wheel can be stationary. For example,one wheel can be used as the lower assembly of device 10 and the otherwheel can be used as the upper assembly of device 10. In this example,the lower assembly can be stationary, and above the lower assembly is aturning upper assembly (i.e., the other wheel that may turn in anydirection) that includes the imprinting unit which does the searing. Theturning upper assembly spins above the stationary lower assemblycreating the searing action on food product located between the upperand lower assemblies. An arrangement for applying high-volume operationsthat involves continuous imprinting will be described in further detailshereinafter with respect to FIG. 4.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the imprinting unit 1 thatholds the plate 2 is located on the distal end of the upper assembly 5,in such a manner that plate 2 faces down towards tray 7. Tray 7 islocated on the distal end of the lower assembly 8, such that plate 2will be able to apply heat and pressure to a food product that is placedon tray 7 upon pressing the upper assembly 5 towards the lower assembly8. Plate 2 is replaceable (i.e., detachable from the imprinting unit 1)and may comprise any of a variety of patterns reliefs, to providesignificant versatility for industrial, commercial, or residentialusage.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of plate 2 attached to the upper assembly. Inthis figure, plate 2 is provided with an exemplary relief of an imagethat can be used in conjunction with the invention. FIG. 3 shows tworounded flat breads imprinted with the image of plate 2 of FIG. 2.

As noted, plate 2 can be changed or replaced for printing differentimages. As such, different plates with variety of patterns may includesnap-in arrangement (not shown), for allowing a simple replacement ofone plate with another.

According to an embodiment of the invention, for high-volume operationsinvolving the continuous imprinting of food products, automatic shuttletransfer presses or other conveyer arrangements can be used. Thesubstrates to be imprinted are continuously loaded onto the tray 7 andshuttled under the imprinting unit 1, which then applies the necessaryheat and/or pressure. The necessary heat and/or pressure can be appliedautomatically by an electro-mechanical control unit that is managed by adedicated controller or computer system.

An example of an embodiment of a device for high-volume operationsinvolving the continuous imprinting is shown in FIG. 4. In thisembodiment, the device is embodied as a food imprinting workstation 20that includes, a conveyor 21 which can be mounted on top of a base unit22, a frame 23, an imprinting unit that include a manipulator 24operatively mounted to frame 23 and a printhead 25 (e.g., a metal plate)connected to the manipulator 24, a heat source 26 for applying heat tothe printhead 25 and a controller 27. Preferably, the imprintingworkstation

20 is automated and computer-controlled for high-volume throughputprocessing of food products. The movements of the manipulator 24 which

presses the printhead 25 on the food product can be actuated by anyknown means, such as linear actuators, pneumatic devices, push-pullsystems, rack and pinion drives, and the like. According to someembodiments of the invention, the actuation of manipulator 24 iscontrolled by a computer system.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the gravitation can be usedas the pressure source. In this embodiment, the food product can freelyfall onto the heatable plate, such that the searing occurs without adirect pressure on the food product.

A foodstuff processing tray 28 having a plurality of compartments 29 isdisposed on the conveyor 21 and holds a plurality of food products eachin a separate compartment for pre-positioning the food products prior toimprinting the food product with printhead 25. The conveyor 21 isdepicted as an endless belt that can be driven in one direction or inreversible directions for accurate pre-positioning. Tray 28 can beeither a separate component freely supported on the conveyor 21 or anintegrated component attached to or extending from the conveyor 21 inorder to permit travel of the belt around the drive or driven rollerswithout interference. Tray 28 can be constructed from plastic, and eachcompartment 29 defines a suitable geometric shape (e.g., rectangular)for snugly holding individual food products therein. In someembodiments, the compartments 29 may also include a cavity shaped tocorrespond with the particular type of food product being printed upon(e.g., a rounded cavity for a round Pitta). Thus, the conveyor 21 can befilled with differently shaped food products in one or more of thecompartments 29. Other materials, such as rubber, silicon, orcombinations thereof can also be used to construct the tray 28. Hardermaterials, such as metal, and derivatives thereof, can also be used.

All of the above operations are preferably automated by the controller27, which may be a microprocessor- or microcontroller-based device, suchas a programmable logic controller, connected to appropriate sensors andservomechanisms. The controller 27 can also be programmed via aHuman-Machine Interface (HMI), such as a touchscreen, to monitor therate of processing, determine the information to be printed when using adynamic plate, determine the type of food product being processed, setthe necessary heat and/or pressure, the volume and weight of the foodproducts being processed, etc. based upon user requirements and input.

Regarding the intended method of utilizing device 10, the user first hasthe imprinting unit 1 with proposed plate 2 installed. After the desiredplate is installed, the heating source 4 is turned on and the plate 2 ispressed against the desired food product for searing. Such may be asingle imprinting, or may alternatively be a series of separatemovements to sear a repetitive pattern on the food products in questionfor high-volume operations that involves continuous imprinting.

Regarding manufacture of device 10, the modular components of the devicemay be injection molded, cast, molded, or machined from variousmaterials. Such materials include, but are not limited to ferrousmaterials.

Importantly, regarding practicality of use of the device, it is alsoproduced to withstand considerable heat. The heatable plate is alsoconstructed to be highly durable in nature, particularly in light of itsusage with direct heat source such as a flame that can reach above 100Celsius degrees.

Moreover, the tray shapes of the device may vary significantly, to allowfor additional versatility for the user. For the purposes of exampleonly, such tray shapes may be anything from a rectangular (which may beused for flat bread) or circular (which may be used for a round shapedflat bread).

As will be appreciated by the skilled person the arrangement describedin the figures results in a device for producing ornamental designs on afood product, in particular bread or flat bread and other baked doughproducts.

The terms, “for example”, “e.g.”, “optionally”, as used herein, areintended to be used to introduce non-limiting examples. While certainreferences are made to certain example system components, othercomponents can be used as well and/or the example components can becombined into fewer components and/or divided into further components.

All the above description and examples have been given for the purposeof illustration and are not intended to limit, the invention in any way.Many different mechanisms and heating elements can be employed, allwithout exceeding the scope of the invention. The present system may beused with a variety of food products, although it is particularlysuitable for use with dough-based food products and/or baked goods,e.g., breads, rolls, buns, bagels, pita bread, and the like. In someembodiments, the present system is primarily intended for high volumeapplications, such as in commercial bakeries. However, in otherembodiments, the present system may be adapted for processing individualand/or small batches of food products, e.g., in the context ofrestaurants, hotels, food stores, and food concession stands. In yetother embodiments, variations of the present systems may be adapted forindividual home use and/or with respect to non-food products.

Food imprinting, and specifically, baked goods imprinting, is typicallycarried out by the application of a heated imprinting element to thesurface of the food, under pressure and for a specified period of time.Natural variations in the height, shape, size, and/or surface contoursin food products—even those of the same kind or from the same batch—mayresult in inconsistent imprint results, and potentially also in damageto the products. For example, in the case of buns, when a heatedimprinting element is being applied under pressure to the surface of thebun, any surface unevenness may cause certain areas to come into contactwith the imprinting element sooner and for a longer duration, and thusbe subject to greater pressure and prolonged heat exposure. In certaincases, this may lead to a partially burnt appearance, acrid smell,unpleasant taste, poor image transfer, and/or damage to the productthrough the puncturing of its outer crust. This issue is particularlysignificant in a production line environments, where frequent equipmentadjustments are impracticable.

Accordingly, a potential advantage of the present system is, therefore,in that it is configured for automatically self-adjusting and/orcreating a level imprinting surface, so as to accommodate food itemshaving, e.g., normal size, height, and/or shape variations, and/orsurface unevenness, without the need for manual intervention and/oradjustments.

FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrate an exemplary food imprinting system500, according to some embodiments. System 500 may perform theimprinting of food items through the application of a heatable imprintblock 506 to the surface of a food item 520. Food item 520 may be atypical dough-based product which has a certain amount of give and isrelatively springy and/or elastic, and thus capable of sustaining atemporary application of a compressive pressure and at least partiallyregain its original shape once the pressure ceases.

With reference to FIG. 5D, in some embodiments, the application ofimprint block 506 to the surface of food item 520 will typically becarried out with imprint block 506 being pre-heated to a specifiedtemperature, which may be between 200° and 600° C. Imprint block 506 maythen be configured for applying a specified amount of pressure to thesurface of food item 520 for a specified duration, so as to producedesirable image transfer results without damaging food item 520. Thecombination of heat and pressure may cause imprint block 506 effect asearing the surface of food item 520 in the shape of a pattern relief onan imprinting face 508 of imprint block 506.

With continued reference to FIG. 5D, in some embodiments, imprintingface 508 may comprise any of a variety of pattern reliefs, includingtextual and/or graphic elements. In some embodiments, imprint block 506may be made of any suitable metal and/or metal alloy configured towithstand operating temperatures of up to 600° C., and to provide afood-safe contacting surface. In some embodiments, imprinting face 508may be wholly or partially coated in, e.g., a food-safe coating, anonstick coating, and/or a release agent. In some embodiments, imprintblock 506 as a whole, or imprinting face 508 alone, may be changeable,so as to be changed or replaced for imprinting different images. Assuch, different imprint blocks 506 and/or imprinting faces 508, with avariety of pattern reliefs, may include, e.g., a snap-in and/or drop-inarrangement (which will be further described below) for allowing a quickand simple replacement.

With reference back to FIGS. 5A-5C, in some embodiments, imprint block506 is part of an imprinting assembly 502 which further includes arelease plate 504, a heat source 510, and an insulation layer 514located between release plate 504 and heat source 510. Imprint block 506may be mounted within imprinting assembly 502 using a mounting plate(not shown) similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 7D-7E and9A-9D.

In some embodiments, imprinting assembly 502 is mounted to a imprintingassembly driver 518, and is configured for moving in, e.g., the verticaldimension, towards and away from food item 520 placed on support base522. However, in other variations, imprinting assembly driver 518 may beconfigured for moving support table 804 towards and away from imprintingassembly 502.

In some embodiments, release plate 504 comprises at least one opening504 a configured for receiving therethrough at least a forward portionof imprint block 506, such that a forward face of release plate 504forms a peripheral shoulder around the portion of imprint block 506extending through opening 504 a. In some embodiments, opening 504 a isdimensioned such that a small air gap is created surrounding imprintblock 506, so as to prevent imprint block 506 from transferring heatenergy to release plate 504.

In some embodiments, release plate 504 is mounted within imprintingassembly 502 through extendable mounts 512, which may be configured forallowing release plate 504 to move substantially freely in the verticaldimension relative to imprint block 506, within a specified range ofmotion. In some embodiments, release plate 504 may be permitted to befreely suspended from mounts 512, e.g., under the influence of gravity.In some embodiments, a location of release plate 504 relative to imprintblock 506 may change during various stages of the imprinting process,via, e.g., the influence of gravity and/or any counterforces exerted byfood item 520. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 5A, in its initialposition, the weight of release plate 504 may cause extendable mounts512 to be substantially fully extended, such that release plate 504 issuspended at its lowest position relative to imprint block 506, withimprint block 506 being fully retracted into opening 504 a.

The release plate is configured to weigh down food items (e.g., breadrolls, pita bread) being imprinted and average out the height of the ofthe items so that to effect a uniform imprint on the food items beingimprinted. The release plate comprises holes that allow the imprintingblocks to engage the food items being imprinted through the releaseplate. In some embodiments, the release plate prevents food items beingimprinted from sticking to the imprinting blocks or rising upwards whenthe imprinting blocks disengage the food items.

In some variations, extendable mounts 512 may be, e.g., telescopic orsimilar mounts. In some embodiments, telescopic extendable mounts 512may be moved between (i) a locked state, in which release plate 504 islocked in a fixed position relative to imprint block 506, and (ii) anunlocked state, in which planar plate 502 is permitted to movesubstantially freely in the vertical dimension, within a specified rangeof motion. In other embodiments, release plate 504 may be suspended fromimprinting assembly 502 using, e.g., one or more flexible cables, wires,or chains. In other variations, extendable mounts 512 may incorporate,e.g., a resilient element, such as a coil spring, an air spring, a gasspring, or an elastomeric spring. In yet further variations, extendablemounts 512 may comprise an actuator, such as linear actuators, pneumaticsystems, push-pull systems, rack and pinion drives, and the like.

In some embodiments, release plate 504 may be made of any suitablemetal, metal alloy, a ceramic material, or any other suitable materialconfigured for withstanding operating temperatures of up to 600° C. Insome embodiments, release plate 504 has a thickness of at least 2 mm. Insome embodiments, release plate 504 and/or a forward face of releaseplate 504 may be configured for providing a food-safe contactingsurface. Alternatively, the forward face may comprise a food-safesurface coating. Optionally, the forward face may be configured toprovide a nonstick surface.

In some embodiments, heat source 510 is operatively coupled to heatableimprint block 506, and is configured for heating imprint block 506 to aspecified temperature. In some embodiments, heat source 510 is anadjustable heat source configured for heating imprint block 506 within arange of specified temperatures, depending on the specific types of foodbeing imprinted. In some embodiments, the specified range oftemperatures is between 200° and 600° C. Heat source 510 may be eitherattached to, or incorporated within, imprint block 506, and may beconfigured to heat imprint block 506 either directly or indirectly, viaa mediating element.

In some embodiments, heat source 510 may be configured for regulatingthe temperature of imprint block 506 so as to maintain an optimaloperating temperature of imprinting face 508, which, in someembodiments, is equal to 580° C. As will be understood by those skilledin the art, during successive cycles of imprinting, the operatingtemperature of imprint block 506 may decrease after each imprintingcycle through heat transfer to the food item. Conversely, during theinitial heating of imprint block 506, when it is not under load, thereis a risk of overheating, which may result in suboptimal imprintingduring one or more initial imprinting cycles. Accordingly, in someembodiments, heat source 510 may be configured for heating imprint block506 to a lower initial temperature, which will not cause damage to fooditem 520 during the first one or several imprinting cycles.Subsequently, during quick successive imprinting cycles, heat source 510may be configured for supplying imprint block 506 with a heat energypulse between cycles, so as to quickly increase its temperature back tothe optimal operating temperature. In some embodiments, heat source 510may be configured for determining the correct amount of heat energy tobe supplied to imprint block 506 during each stage of the operationbased, e.g., on one or more temperature sensors configured for measuringan operating temperature of imprinting face 508, directly or indirectly.

In some embodiments, insulation layer 514 is made of a material havinglow thermal conductivity properties. Insulation layer 514 may beconfigured for filling spaces between release plate 504 and heat source510, so as to substantially prevent the transfer of heat energy betweenheat source 510 and release plate 504. Thus, release plate 504 may beprevented from potentially scorching or otherwise leaving undesirablemarks on the food products being imprinted. In some embodiments,insulation layer 514 has resilient properties, such that it may providea certain amount of resiliency and ‘give’ to elements within imprintingassembly 502, including release plate 504 and/or imprint block 506.

The working principles of system 500 will be explained with continuedreference to FIGS. 5A-5C. In some embodiments, as can be seen in FIG.5A, at the beginning of an imprinting process, food item 520 may beplaced on support base 522. Heat source 510 may then be configured forheating imprint block 506 up to an initial operating temperature. Onceimprint block 506 has reached initial operating temperature, imprintingassembly driver 518 may be configured for moving imprinting assembly 502downwardly, towards food item 520. In some embodiments, as noted above,at this stage, the weight of release plate 504 may cause it to besuspended at its most downward position relative to imprint block 506,such that extendable mounts 512 are fully extended. As imprintingassembly 502 is being moved downwardly closer to food item 520, as canbe seen in FIG. 5B, release plate 504 makes first contact with food item520. The weight of release plate 502 may cause an initial compression offood item 520, until food item 520 may reach a certain density level andbegins to resist further compression. At that point, release plate 504may come to rest atop food item 520. The at least partially compressedfood item 520 may create at that stage a more consistent and stableimprinting surface. In certain embodiments further detailed below, wherean imprinting system of the present disclosure may be configured forsimultaneous imprinting of multiple food items, release plate 504 may beconfigured for leveling height inconsistencies among the plurality offood items, so as to create a relatively level and consistent imprintingsurface.

In some variations, certain parameters of release plate 504 and/orextendable mount 512 may be operator-adjusted. For example, the range ofvertical travel of release plate 504 within imprinting assembly 502 maybe extended or decreased. In some variations, system 500 may compriseone or more sensor elements configured to detect one or more relevantdimensional parameters with respect to food item 520, and to adjust aposition of release plate 504 accordingly. In other cases, release plate504 may be an exchangeable release plate, such that various releaseplates 504, e.g., having different thicknesses and/or weightcharacteristics, may be used. These parameters may be selected based,e.g., on the specific shape, dimensions, and/or type of the food itembeing imprinted. In some variations, extendable mounts 512 mayincorporate, e.g., a resilient element, to provide a greater effectivecompressive force. In other variations, extendable mounts 512 may beadjustable using, e.g., suitable actuators.

In some embodiments, as can be seen in FIG. 5C, once the initialcompression of food item 520 has been achieved, imprinting assembly 502then continues to be moved downwardly towards food item 520, untilimprint block 506 extends a specified distance through opening 504 a.Imprint block 506 thus makes contact for a specified duration with aportion of food item 520 exposed through opening 504 a, to effect theimprinting of food item 520. In some embodiments, imprinting assembly502 may be further configured for being moved a predetermined distancebeyond the initial surface contact of imprint block 506 with food item520, such that imprint block 506 applies a specified amount of force tothe top surface of food item 520. In some embodiments, suchpredetermined distance may be operator-adjustable, based, e.g., on thespecific shape, dimensions, and/or type of the food item beingimprinted.

Once the imprinting is completed, imprinting assembly driver 518 maythen be configured for moving imprinting assembly 502 upwards and awayfrom food item 520. As noted above, extendable mounts 512 may beconfigured for allowing release plate 504 to move freely orpartially-freely relative to imprint block 506, e.g., under gravity.Accordingly, as imprinting assembly 502 is being moved upwards, imprintblock 506 may be retracted back through opening 504 a, while extendablemounts 512 are being extended and release plate 504 remains temporarilyin its resting position atop food item 520. Once extendable mounts 512have reached a fully extended state, release plate 504 begins to moveupwards with imprinting assembly 502. Thus, in cases where food item 520may be clinging to heated imprinting face 508, release plate 504 mayeffect the release of food item 520 by the retraction of imprint block506 back through opening 504 a. Following the complete retraction ofimprinting assembly 502, the imprinting process is complete and fooditem 520 may substantially reassume its original shape.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate several exemplary embodiments in which imprintblock 506 may be configured for limited movement in the verticaldirection, alone or in combination with release plate 504. FIG. 6Aillustrates an exemplary system 502 wherein imprint block 506 isconfigured for being movable relative to release plate 504. FIG. 6Billustrates, in enlarged detail, an exemplary movable imprint blockassembly, wherein imprint block 506 may be mounted, e.g., as atelescopic element within mounting base 526, wherein the movement ofimprint block 506 may be controlled by a resilient member 528, such as acoil spring, an air spring, a gas spring, an elastomeric spring, and/ora system of counterweights. The resilient member may be configured forproviding a specified amount of resisting force to the dislocation ofimprint block 506 into mounting base 526. Accordingly, during theimprinting process, the additional resiliency introduced between releaseplate 504 and imprint block 506 through resilient member 528 may befurther configured for accommodating more significant dimension, shape,and/or surface variations in the food item begin imprinted.

With reference to FIG. 6C, in a variation, resilient member 528 may bereplaced with an actuator 540 coupled to imprint block 506 andcontrolling its movements relative to release plate 504. Actuator 540may be controlled by controller 530. Actuator 540 may be any suitableactuator, such as a linear actuator, a pneumatic piston, a push-pullsystem, a rack and pinion drive, and the like. Controller 530 mayfurther comprise one or more sensor elements configured to detect one ormore relevant dimensional parameters with respect to food item 520, andto adjust a position of imprint block 506 relative to release plate 504,through operating actuator 540.

With reference to FIGS. 6D-6E, in some embodiments, a system 504 mayincorporate an actuator 540 configured for adjusting a positioning ofimprint block 506 relative to release plate 504 during various stages ofthe imprinting process. For example, as described above with referenceto FIGS. 5A-5C, system 504 may be configured for lowering imprintingassembly 502 towards the food item being imprinted, with imprint block506 in a retracted position relative to release plate 504, so thatrelease plate 504 may first create a relatively level and uniformimprinting surface. Actuator 540 may then be configured for advancingimprint block 506 through opening 504 a, so as to make contact with andimprint the food item. Following the imprinting, actuator 540 may bethen configured for retracting imprint block 506 at least partiallythrough opening 504 a, as can be seen in FIG. 6E. Thus, as imprint block506 is being retracted back through opening 504 a, any food item whichmay be clinging to heated imprinting face 508, may be released by theretraction of imprint block 506 relative to release plate 504.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate, respectively, perspective and side views of anexemplary imprint block 506. Imprint block 506 comprises a body 506 a, ashoulder 506 b extending outwardly relative to body 506 a, and animprint face 508 comprising a pattern relief. In some embodiments,imprint block 506 may further comprise one or more recesses 506 c alongsides of body 506 a.

FIGS. 7D-7E illustrate, respectively, a mounting plate 700 and ring-typesupport 710, configured for mounting imprint block 506 within animprinting assembly, such as imprinting assembly 502 of FIGS. 5A-5C. Asshall be detailed below, in some embodiments, mounting plate 700 andring support 710 comprise a plurality of design features configured forminimizing the transfer of heat from imprint block 506 to mounting plate700.

In some embodiments, mounting plate 700 comprises a planar plate havingan opening 702 dimensioned for receiving at least a forward portion ofimprint block 506, such as body 506 a. In some embodiments, opening 702is dimensioned such that an air gap at least between 0.1 and 5 mmremains around body 506 a when it is received through opening 702. Suchair gap may be configured for preventing the transfer of heat energyfrom imprint block 506 to mounting plate 700. Support 710 may be aring-type support rim, dimensioned for receiving body 506 a of imprintblock 506 therethrough, but to prevent passage of shoulder 506 b.Support 710 may be further dimensioned so as to create an air gapsurrounding body 506 a, which air gap may be at least between 0.5 and 5mm. In some embodiments, support 710 has a rim height of at leastbetween 3 and 10 mm, and a rim width of at least 2 mm. In someembodiments, the width of the rim is less than 2 mm in cases in which amaterial from which the rim is made is strong enough to support theweight of imprint block 506 and withstand high temperatures as describedelsewhere herein. Mounting plate 700 and support 710 may be made of anysuitable metal and/or metal alloy configured to withstand operatingtemperatures of up to 600° C. In some embodiments, support 710 may beintegrally formed with mounting plate 700. In some embodiments, one ormore protrusions 704 in opening 702 correspond to one or more recesses506 c in imprint block 506.

FIG. 7F illustrates the manner in which imprint block 506 may be mountedusing mounting plate 700 and support 710. In some embodiments, imprintblock 506 may be drop-in mounted through opening 702, without beingattached to mounting plate 700. In some embodiments, support 710 isconfigured for being located between shoulder 506 b and mounting plate700, so as to minimize the contact area between imprint block 506 andmounting plate 700. This in turn further prevents the transfer of anyheat energy from imprint block 506 into mounting plate 700. Becauseimprint block 506 is drop-in mounted without being attached to mountingplate 700 and/or support 710, in some embodiments, protrusions 704 inopening 702 and corresponding recesses 506 c work together to facilitateto correct positioning of imprint block 506 within opening 702.

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary imprinting station 800 configured forhigh-volume production applications. FIG. 8B illustrates an enlargeddetail of station 800. In high volume applications, the present systemmay be configured for simultaneous imprinting of multiple food items,e.g., by employing an imprint block array comprising a plurality ofimprint blocks, and configured for simultaneously imprinting a likenumber of food items similarly arranged, e.g., in a tray. In othervariations, station 800 may be configured for being incorporated withina conveyor-based production line. In such applications, food items forimprinting may be continuously conveyed, individually or in batches,through imprinting station 800.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, imprinting station 800 may compriseone or more of:

-   -   A support structure, such as a frame or turret 802;    -   a support table 804 for receiving, e.g., trays containing one or        more food products arranged, for example, in rows and columns.        In a variation, support table 804 may be configured for being        incorporated into a continuous production line;    -   a movable imprinting assembly 806 comprising one or more        heatable imprint blocks 810 connected to a heat source 816, a        release plate 812 comprising a plurality of opening similar to        opening 504 a in FIGS. 5A-5C, and an insulation layer disposed        between heat source 816 and release plate 812; and    -   an imprinting assembly driver 808 configured for moving        imprinting assembly 806 in the vertical dimension towards and        away from support table 804.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8A-8B, an imprinting process involvingstation 800 may be substantially similar to the working principlesdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C. For example, in someembodiments, an imprinting cycle may begin by introducing a tray of oneor more food items, such as breads or similar baked items 814, atsupport table 804. In some variations, individual food items 814, orbatches of food items 814, may be conveyed through station 800 as partof a continuous production line arrangement. Heat source 816 may then beconfigured for heating imprint blocks 810 up to initial operatingtemperature. Once imprint blocks 810 have reached operating temperature,imprinting assembly driver 808 may be configured for moving imprintingassembly 806 downwardly, towards food items 814. However, in someembodiments, imprinting assembly driver 808 may be configured for movingsupport table 804 upwardly, towards imprinting assembly 806.

In some embodiments, as noted above, at this stage, the weight ofrelease plate 812 may cause it to be suspended at its most downwardposition relative to imprint blocks 810, such that, e.g., extendablemounts holding release plate 812 are fully extended. As imprintingassembly 806 is being moved downwardly closer to food items 814, releaseplate 812 makes first contact with food items 814. The weight of releaseplate 812 may cause an initial compression of food items 814, until fooditems 814 may reach a certain density level and begin to resist furthercompression. At that point, release plate 812 may come to rest atop fooditems 814. By compressing food items 814, release plate 812 may beconfigured for leveling height inconsistencies among the plurality offood items 814, so as to create a relatively level and consistentimprinting surface.

In some embodiments, once the initial compression of food items 814 hasbeen achieved, imprinting assembly 806 then continues to be moveddownwardly towards food items 814, until imprint blocks 810 extend aspecified distance through the corresponding openings in release plate812. Each of imprint blocks 810 thus makes contact for a specifiedduration with a portion of a corresponding food item 814 exposed throughan opening, to effect the imprinting of food items 814.

Once the imprinting is completed, imprinting assembly driver 808 maythen be configured for moving imprinting assembly 806 upwards and awayfrom food items 814. As noted above, extendable mounts holding releaseplate 812 may be configured for allowing release plate 810 to movefreely or partially-freely relative to imprint blocks 810, e.g., undergravity. Accordingly, as imprinting assembly 806 is being moved upwards,imprint blocks 810 may be retracted back through the correspondingopenings in release plate 812, while the extendable mounts holdingrelease plate 812 are extended and release plate 812 remains temporarilyin its resting position atop food items 814. Once the extendable mountshave reached a fully extended state, release plate 812 begins to moveupwards with imprinting assembly 806. Thus, in cases where one or moreof food items 814 may be clinging to imprint blocks 810, release plate812 may affect the release of food items 814 by the retraction ofimprint blocks 810 back through the openings in release plate 812.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an exemplary mounting plate 900, which is similarto mounting plate 700 in FIG. 7A, but is configured for mounting aplurality of imprint blocks. Mounting plate 900 may be configured foruse in a high volume arrangement comprising a plurality of imprintblocks, such as with respect to station 800 in FIGS. 8A-8B. In someembodiments, mounting plate 900 may be configured for increasedresistance to heat-induced warping, which may be caused by therelatively high operating temperature of the plurality of imprint blocksmounted within. Accordingly, mounting plate 900 may comprise a pluralityof design features configured for minimizing the transfer of heat fromthe imprint blocks to mounting plate 900. As shall be further detailedbelow, in some embodiments, mounting plate 900 may be further configuredfor a quick exchange of a loaded mounting plate 900 within an imprintingstation during operation, without requiring a cooling off period withrespect to the plurality of imprint blocks mounted within.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate, respectively, perspective, side, and top viewsof mounting plate 900 configured for minimizing heat transfer as well asincreasing dimensional stability and resistance to heat-related warping.In some embodiments, mounting plate 900 is made of a sheet of metal ormetal alloy having a thickness of at least 2 mm. In some embodiments,mounting plate 900 comprises a plurality of openings 904 configured forreceiving therethrough a corresponding plurality of imprint blocks,similar to opening 702 in FIG. 7D. Openings 904 each also includes aplurality of protrusions 704, similarly to protrusions 704 in FIG. 7D.In some embodiments, the size of protrusions 704 may be configured forminimizing heat transfer from imprint blocks 506.

Mounting plate 900 may comprise a plurality of generally elongated slots906, distributed substantially evenly about a planar surface of mountingplate 900. Slots 906 may be arranged in the shape of crosses or asimilar design, and may be created through, e.g., stamping, lasercutting, water cutting, etc. In some embodiments, slots 906 may eachhave a length of between 50 and 150 mm, and a width of between 1 and 15mm, 2 and 10 mm or 3 and 6 mm. Slots 906 may be spaced between 100 and200 mm center-to-center. In some embodiments, slots 906 may beconfigured for preventing warping of mounting plate 900 due totemperature differentials in various regions of mounting plate 900. Forexample, slots 906 may permit various regions of mounting plate 900 toexpand and contract independently in response to heating, thusminimizing overall potential heat-induced warping. Mounting plate 900may further comprise a mounting hole 912 located centrally withinmounting plate 900.

FIG. 9D is an enlarged detail of mounting plate 900 comprising anopening 904 surrounded by cross-shaped slots 906. In some embodiments,certain of slots 906 may each comprise a rod 906 a welded within slot906. In some embodiments, rods 906 a may be of the same metal or metalalloy of mounting plate 900. In other variations, rods 906 a maycomprise a different metal or metal alloy, having a differentcoefficient of thermal expansion. For example, rods 906 a may have acoefficient of thermal expansion which is lower than that of mountingplate 900 as a whole. Thus, when located within a first arm of across-shaped slot 906, as shown in FIG. 9D, rods 906 a may be configuredfor limiting heat-induced expansion only in the dimension of said firstarm. Accordingly, a particular distribution of rods 906 a among slots906 may further provide for desirable expansion and contractioncharacteristics in various regions of mounting plate 900, so as tofurther minimize overall heat-induced warping.

In some embodiments, mounting plate 900 may further have peripheral lips908 formed along its side edges, which may be configured for providingtorsional rigidity and dimensional stability to mounting plate 900. Insome embodiments, lips 908 may extend generally continuously about theentire perimeter of mounting plate 900; may be provided along one, two,or three of its edges only; or otherwise may be formed in a plurality ofsections of different lengths. Lips 908 may extend substantiallyperpendicular to the plane defined by the central section of mountingplate 900. However, it is possible for lips 908 to extend at a differentangle from that shown. In some embodiments, top edges of lips 908 mayfurther be bent, e.g., outwardly at a right angle relative to lips 908,to form a substantially peripheral flange 908 a surrounding mountingplate 900. In some embodiments, flange 908 a may be used for mountingpurposes, e.g., using mounting holes 910. In some embodiments, lips 908may have a height of between 10 and 35 mm, and flange 908 a may have awidth of between 10 and 35 mm. Lips 908 and flange 908 a may be formedby bending the edges of mounting plate 900 in a desired angle. In someembodiments, other types of lips, bent edges, and/or flanges may be usedfor lending increased torsional rigidity to mounting plate 900,including peripheral U- or V-shaped channels, and the like.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9A-9C, in some embodiments, mountingplate 900 may be configured for permitting a quick exchange inmid-operation of a mounting plate having a plurality of heated imprintblocks loaded within. As noted above with respect to imprinting station800 in FIGS. 8A-8B, a plurality of imprint blocks 810 may be arrangedwithin imprinting assembly 806. As also noted, imprint blocks of thepresent invention may have an operating temperature of between 200° and600° C. In high volume production lines, when a need arises to change aset of imprint blocks mounted within an imprinting station 800 with adifferent set having a different pattern relief, a potential obstaclemight be the need for a cooling-off period before the heated imprintblocks may be handled by operators without risk of injury or damage toequipment.

Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, a mountingplate 900, e.g., mounted within an imprinting assembly 806 of thepresent invention, may be configured for quick exchange while stillloaded with a plurality of heated imprint blocks 810. In some instances,flange edges 908 a may be received within a rail assembly 1000. Railassembly 1000 may comprise two side rails 1002 and/or a back rail 1004,each configured, e.g., as a U-shaped channel and dimensioned forslidingly receiving flange 908 a. In some embodiments, rail assembly1000 may be fixedly coupled within imprinting assembly 806, so as toslidingly receive mounting plate 900 therein. In such variations,mounting plate 900, loaded with a plurality of imprint blocks 810, maybe lifted using, e.g., a lift assist device. Mounting plate 900 may thenbe slidingly inserted into rail assembly 1000 and secured using, e.g.,quick release pins through mounting holes 1006, which are correspondingto holes 910 in flange 908 a. If, during operation, the need arises toreplace the set of imprint blocks 812 loaded within mounting plate 900,mounting plate 900 may be slidingly pulled out of rail assembly 1000using the lift assist device, and, e.g., a second mounting plate 900loaded with a different set of imprint blocks 812 may be inserted inlieu thereof.

In other variations, at least side rails 1002 may be capable of beingindividually detached from imprinting assembly 806, e.g., be slidinglypulling side rails 1002 out. In such embodiments, during an exchangeoperation, mounting plate 900 may be supported using, e.g., a liftassist device, while side rails 1002 may be slidingly pulled out(wherein mounting plate 900 may still remain supported by back rail1004). Mounting plate 900 may then be slidingly pulled via the liftassist device and replaced as described above.

In consideration of the relatively high temperature of the plurality ofimprint blocks 506 carried within mounting plate 900 during an exchangeoperation, any securement means of mounting plate 900 to the imprintingassembly may be configured for quick-release with minimal usage of toolsand/or handling time. For example, mounting plate 900 may be secured torail assembly 1000 using multiple quick-release pins through holes 910in flange 908 a and corresponding holes 1006 in rail assembly 1000.Similarly, a single oversize-head bolt my attach mounting plate to theimprinting assembly, e.g., from the bottom through mounting hole 912.Thus, such quick-release pins and oversize-head bolt may be quicklyremoved without the need for using specialty tools and with minimumhandling and/or exposure time.

FIGS. 11A-11C schematically illustrate various systems for regulatingthe spacing between successive articles on conveying belts, inaccordance with an embodiment. As noted above, certain embodiments ofthe present system may be incorporated within a conveyor-basedproduction line. In such applications, food items for imprinting may becontinuously conveyed, individually or in batches, to an imprintingstation such as the one described with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B.Accordingly, the conveyance regulating systems of FIGS. 11A-11C may beemployed as complementary systems for use in conjunction with suchconveyor-based production line.

With reference to FIG. 11A, in some embodiments, a conveyance regulatingsystem 1100 comprises an infeed belt 1102, a regulating roller 1104, atransporting belt 1106, a sensing unit 1108 and a controller 1110. Insome embodiments, articles 1112, which may be food items, individuallyor in batches, may be conveyed continuously via infeed belt 1102. Atthis stage, the spacing of articles 1112 on infeed belt 1102 may beirregular or unequal. Infeed belt 1102 transports the articles at aconstant speed to regulating roller 1104. In some embodiments,regulating roller is aligned with infeed belt 1102, so as to receivearticles 1112 and transfer them to transport belt 1106. Sensing unit1108 may be configured for detecting the relative spacing of articles1112 as they are coming in on infeed belt 1102. Sensing unit 1108 thentransmits this data to controller 1110, which adjusts a rotating speedof regulating roller 1104 so as to decrease or increase, as the case maybe, a distance between two successive articles 1112.

With reference to FIG. 11B, in some embodiments, a conveyance regulatingsystem 1200 may comprise a regulating belt 1124, performingsubstantially a similar function to that of regulating roller of system1200. Regulating belt 1124 may be aligned with infeed belt 1102, so asto receive articles 1112 and transfer them to transport belt 1106. Inthis variation, controller 1110 adjusts a conveying speed of regulatingbelt 1124 so as to decrease or increase, as the case may be, a distancebetween two successive articles 1112.

Yet another variation is depicted in FIG. 11C, a conveyance regulatingsystem 1140 may employ a pusher arm 1144 configured for advancing orretarding articles 1112 on conveyor belt 1142. In some embodiments,sensing unit 1108 may be configured for detecting the relative spacingof articles 1112 as they are coming in on conveyor belt 1142. Sensingunit 1108 then transmits this data to controller 1110, which operatespusher arm 1144 so as to advance or retard, as the case may be, anarticle 912, thereby adjusting a distance between two successivearticles 912.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imprinting system comprising: at least oneimprint block, a heating source and a mounting plate, said at least oneimprint block is adapted to receive a supply of heat energy from saidheating source, said mounting plate comprises: (a) at least one openingdimensioned for receiving at least a forward portion including animprinting face of said at least one imprint block; (b) elongated slots,wherein at least one elongated slot of said elongated slots comprise arod, wherein said imprint block and said mounting plate are mountedwithin an imprinting assembly.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said atleast a portion of said elongated slots are arranged in a cross shape.3. The system of claim 1, wherein said rod has a coefficient of thermalexpansion lower than that of said mounting plate.
 4. The system of claim1, wherein said rod is placed within said at least one elongated slot.5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of said elongated slotscomprise an elongated rod, said elongated rod traverses a slot.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least some of said elongated slotscomprise an elongated rod, said elongated rod traverses a slot devoid ofsaid rod.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said cross comprises a slotdevoid of said rod and a slot comprising a single rod.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said imprinting assembly is installed within a supportframe comprising a support table, wherein said support table defines aplane which is substantially parallel to a plane defined by saidprinting face, and comprising an imprinting assembly driver configuredfor driving said imprinting assembly relative to said support table. 9.The system of claim 8, wherein said imprinting assembly driver isconfigured for driving said support table relative to said imprintingassembly.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said mounting plate is madeof a material configured for withstanding operating temperatures of upto 600° C.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one openingis dimensioned to form an air gap around said forward portion of saidimprint block.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein said mounting platefurther comprises a lip formed along at least a portion of a perimeterof said mounting plate, said lip extends substantially perpendicular toa plane defined by said mounting plate.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein said lip further comprises a flange section which is oriented ata right angle to and outwardly away from said lip.
 14. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said imprint block comprises a shoulder extendingoutwardly relative to said forward portion of said imprint block, andsaid shoulder is dimensioned to be larger than said opening in saidmounting plate for preventing passage of said shoulder therethrough. 15.The system of claim 1, comprising a release plate comprising at leastone opening.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein said opening isconfigured for receiving therethrough at least a forward portion of saidimprint block.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein said release plate isconfigured to weigh down food items to a common height.
 18. The systemof claim 15, wherein said release plate is configured to prevent fooditems from lifting when said mounting plate and imprinting blocks areraised.